Scars

We've all got scars, remnants from collisions with objects or events that leave a mark. Sometimes you can see them, sometimes the scars are hidden.

I have a client in the online job search industry. Needless to say, from a user standpoint, there are far more people looking for jobs than actual positions. A report last week said for every job, there are 6 people looking. That statement made me shake my head--when you're looking for work, it seems you're competing with 6,000--not 6.

There was a job fair yesterday and I was there for the setup. As I left I saw at least 200 people in the lobby and felt my scar tissue. Twice in the last 10 years I've been one of those people--out of work and wondering what was next. My last episode was in early 2008 and I clearly remember the feeling of combing the job boards, making those calls, sending those resumes---and hearing nothing.

If I'd had more time yesterday I would have tried to stick around and offer some encouragement--but I needed to get back to work. As I left I prayed for the unemployed--that they'd find comfort in their faith in the midst of crippling circumstances, that they didn't feel shame cloaking them as they went about their day as unemployed people. When you're in that situation, you just feel different--there is no way around it.

But to face these trials without faith---I can't imagine it. To not have that morning quiet time when He says to us, " For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future."

Do Christians suffer during unemployment? Absolutely. Does our faith help us get a better job quicker than the rest? Not really. What our faith gives us is the assurance that a plan and path has been determined for us long before time began. It gives us the tender hug that God has it figured out during times we can't come close to comprehending any of it. Faith gives us hope when we see nothing.

I've felt this before in my current job and wrote something that might help if you're searching for work---or know someone who is. http://dannyclayton.blogspot.com/2009/05/bruce-and-his-rage.html.